11/10/2024
This following information may seem quite 'niche' and yes, there are much larger concerns BUT this is going to affect almost everyone, in one way or another through the tendrils of the supply chain and consumer markets. Pubs and restaurants being hit again and they'll have no choice but to pass this cost on to consumers, leading to more closures, less jobs in the sector, more villages dying, fewer places for people to meet etc etc. Anyway, as I say, you may feel it's quite niche but it's not. It's not just a drinkers' concern.
"In February the Government plans to introduce a new alcohol duty regime which
will impact all of us. There is a new alcohol excise duty regime that is due to be
implemented from 1 February 2025. Due to the complexities of introducing the
new regime, we are in a temporary period of easement where all wines between
11.5%-14.5% abv are taxed on a single charge (£2.67). The new system to come into
force in February will see the introduction of a new tax by strength system with 30
possible payment amounts for wines between 11.5% - 14.5% abv: a different charge
per 0.1% abv.
The new duty system was proposed as simpler and fairer for wine businesses like
ours to administer, yet in practice it will be more costly and complex. The
administrative burden will have an impact on pricing across our industry.
It could also mean producers big or small no longer shipping many of the wines
you love to the UK as their admin costs rise. Quality and choice will be affected. And
it will hit smaller wine merchants and the high street hard at a time when we
should be supporting smaller business.
We’ve been working hard alongside the Wine and Spirit Trade Association (WSTA)
to lobby for urgent change, but with just a few months until the new rules take
effect, we must inform you that these changes are on their way. We have warned
the new government of the negative impacts of the proposed duty regime, but
they are not listening. There is not a single wine business in the UK that supports
this new approach.
We need your help. Asking for a simple extension to the current easement will
allow meaningful consultation and a better outcome for business and consumer.
We urge you to email, write to, or speak to your local MP and explain the damage
that this ill-conceived alcohol duty policy will do."